With the country suffering from the effects of the El Nino Induced droughts, villagers in Suswe Area in Mudzi, Mutoko say the Food for Work Programme has helped in reducing hunger in the area.
The Food for Work Programme in Mudzi is on course with villagers from Kutotora and Kacheredza villages in Suswe area saying the hunger mitigation initiative comes as a timely intervention as hunger had wreaked havoc in the dry region.
Beneficiaries of the public works programme, said the initiative has helped in bringing peace and development since hunger breeds conflict.
“The food for work program has brought so much relief to this area as we were on the verge of facing starvation.
“This is a timely initiative as it has helped many of us who did not realize enough grains during the past farming season due to the poor rainfall patterns which affected this area,” said Mr. Daniel Jose of Kutotora village in an interview with the ZBCtv.
The programme has also helped in bringing development in their area.
Beneficiaries in the area are currently involved in the rehabilitation of the 35km Suswe-Mutiwaora road.
“This program has helped as we can now work while getting food. We have not been getting any food assistance until the food for work was unveiled.
“Apart from getting food, we can now do some developmental projects for ourselves,” said Ms. Tawengwa Chinyanga of Kucheredza village
Meanwhile, the government programme has transformed the state of roads and infrastructure development in Manicaland Province as communities contribute labor in exchange of food aid.
This has also brought a major face lift to infrastructural development in the province.
A total of 85 820 households are benefiting on a monthly basis from the government’s Food Mitigation Programme, to cushion families following poor harvests.
More than 36 000 tons of maize have been distributed since February this year in the area.
